Living in Croydon

Your guide to moving to Croydon

Why Croydon is a good place to live

Croydon is as well-connected as it comes it terms of transport.

With 24-hour links into London thanks to the Gatwick Express, Croydon runs regular trains to London Bridge, Victoria, Gatwick Airport, Brighton and beyond.

It's also one of the less expensive London boroughs to live in, with plenty of affordable housing available.

There are lots of green spaces to enjoy, including Lloyd Park, Coombe Woods and Wandle Park, while the Fairfield Halls theatre plays host to some big name musicians, comedians, theatre productions and more.

Croydon has been undergoing regeneration for a while, with plans to replace the current Whitgift centre and Centrale shopping areas with a new development from Westfield.

It's also the home of some excellent state and private schools, while leafy South Croydon is a particularly sought after area.

What's Croydon famous for?

Croydon is the home the Brit School, where Adele, Any Winehouse, Kate Nash, Katie Melua and Spiderman himself, Tom Holland, learned their craft.

Britain's most famous supermodel, Kate Moss, also hails from here, as do Tracey Emin, Kirsty MacColl and rapper Stormzy.

With its glass tower blocks, Croydon feels like a modern city, yet it's been around since 1086 and is mentioned in the Domesday book. It was even visited by Henry VIII and was a resting place for several Archbishops of Canterbury.

Croydon has a good shopping area and residents are looking forward to seeing Westfield's plans to regenerate it.

BOXPARK Croydon is a great place to eat and drink and there's a thriving culinary scene with plenty of good bars and restaurants to choose from.

Did you know? The name Croydon literally means Crocus Valley.

Things to do in Croydon

Enjoy a cultural evening out at the Fairfield Halls, where you can expect to see big name comedians, bands and shows.

Wander through Surrey Street Market: one of the oldest markets in London, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, international cuisine and a lively atmosphere.

Indulge in some retail therapy at Centrale Shopping Centre and Whitgift Centre, which offer a wide range of high street stores.

For foodies, South End is a popular dining destination, offering a diverse range of restaurants and cafes serving cuisines from around the world.

And check out BOXPARK Croydon: a pop-up mall of shipping containers which hosts events and live music alongside a variety of dining options.

Experience nightlife at Matthews Yard, a popular arts and cultural space that often hosts events, live performances and provides a cozy spot for a night out.

And for a relaxing afternoon, grab a coffee from the cafe and head for a stroll through Coombe Woods, Lloyd Park or Wandle Park.